Social media reacts to news of Justin Fields transferring to Ohio State

Justin Fields appears to no longer be a Georgia Bulldog, as DawgNation’s Mike Griffith has confirmed that the Georgia freshman quarterback will be transferring to Ohio State.

There’s a ton to unpack with this news. Fields did not play in Georgia’s final game against Texas in Sugar Bowl. Ohio State also has a highly touted quarterback in Tate Martell already at the school, and Martell has made it very clear that he is not a fan of any incoming quarterbacks. Current Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is expected to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, should he declare early.

And there are many in the college football world wondering what kind of effect Fields’ transfer, and the fact that he could play right away for the Bulldogs, will have on the sport as a whole.

If playing time is the goal this move is… well, it's a move. Fields will sit out 2019 and then presumably compete with Martell in 2020, who (assuming Haskins leaves) will likely be the incumbent. https://t.co/1Qc2MbJZqd

Of course PT isn't the only factor. But Fields could have stayed at Georgia, backed up Fromm with frequent cameos in '19 (as opposed to sitting out) and had a good chance of having the job all to himself in '20 if Fromm leaves early.

Fields was the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2018 recruiting class and the highest rated prospect to ever sign with the Bulldogs.

He was 27-of-39 passing for 328 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in his 12 appearances, and he also rushed 42 times for 266 yards and four touchdowns.

Fields said after brief playing time in the SEC Championship Game that he appreciated his time at Georgia.

“I feel like coming here kind of I could have probably went some other places, but I feel like coming here has definitely made me a better QB,” Fields said. “I feel like coming here like I didn’t want it to be handed to me like some other schools would have had. So I came here, and I’m just going to keep working.

“I’m motivated because I mean I’m a competitor. I want to be out on the field. I know there are places in my game where I need to get better at. I’m just going to keep getting better and keep improving.”

Fields informed the Georgia coaches in the practices leading up to the Bulldogs departure for New Orleans that he intended to explore transferring.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he welcomed Fields to continue practicing with the team and hoped he would stay with the Bulldogs.

“He decided he wanted to play in the Sugar Bowl, and I told him ‘absolutely, we want you there,’ ” Smart said. “Justin is working extremely hard, he’s in the meeting rooms, he’s still rolling with our twos. I’m pleased with his work and demeanor, he has had good reps.”

Fields did not play in the Sugar Bowl, but he did travel with the team. The freshman quarterback did not speak with the media after the game.

Georgia signed two quarterbacks in the 2018 class, in Stetson Bennett and Dwan Mathis. The Bulldogs also have a commitment from 4-star quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who is yet to sign. Georgia still has starter Jake Fromm returning next year, and he threw for 30 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.